Apparatus for microdroplet generation via liquid bridge breakup

Abstract

An apparatus for microdroplet generation via liquid bridge breakup, which can efficiently generate microdroplets using liquid bridge breakup without using a complicated mechanical device. The apparatus includes: two substrate plates having respective hydrophilic surfaces; a protrusion provided on a side surface of either of the two substrate plates so as to maintain a predetermined space between the two substrate plates; and a spacer provided on ends of the two substrate plates and spacing the two substrate plates from each other, thereby inducing liquid bridge breakup.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for microdroplet generation via liquid bridge breakup, comprising:
 two substrate plates having respective hydrophilic surfaces;   a protrusion provided on a side surface of either of the two substrate plates so as to maintain a predetermined space between the two substrate plates; and   a spacer provided on ends of the two substrate plates and spacing the two substrate plates from each other, thereby inducing liquid bridge breakup.   
     
     
         2 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the two substrate plates are made of a glass or metal material. 
     
     
         3 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each of the two substrate plates is provided in a surface thereof with a pattern part that holds a liquid bridge. 
     
     
         4 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each of the two substrate plates is provided with a nozzle that injects a liquid. 
     
     
         5 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the spacer uses an elastic body or an electric or mechanical device. 
     
     
         6 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a pipette provided on ends opposite to the ends having the spacer, the pipette induces microdroplets to be generated in a different fluid so as to prevent reunion of generated droplets.   
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for microdroplet generation via liquid bridge breakup, comprising:
 two substrate plates having respective hydrophilic surfaces, wherein
 the two substrate plates are formed in ends thereof into bent shapes so as to come into contact with each other, and include 
 a spacer for spacing the two substrate plates from each other, thereby inducing liquid bridge breakup. 
   
     
     
         8 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the two substrate plates are made of a glass or metal material. 
     
     
         9 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein each of the two substrate plates is provided in a surface thereof with a pattern part that holds a liquid bridge. 
     
     
         10 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein each of the two substrate plates is provided with a nozzle that injects a liquid. 
     
     
         11 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the spacer uses an elastic body or an electric or mechanical device. 
     
     
         12 . The microdroplet generation apparatus as set forth in  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a pipette provided on ends opposite to the ends having the spacer, the pipette induces microdroplets to be generated in a different fluid so as to prevent reunion of generated droplets.